My dad’s health has been declining further. He is now on oxygen and lots of pain meds. He was diagnosed with colon cancer about 3 years ago and has been going through all the chemo treatments, radiation and other experimental things. The cancer has spread to his lungs and now that he is on oxygen and in a lot of pain; he can’t do much other than rest.

Me and Dad in Better Times. What a team!

It is so hard to see him go through this. All I want is for him to be back to normal. The strong dad I’ve known my whole life. The man who owned both a lawn care company and a law business. The man who could get so angry and also be the kindest person I’ve ever known. My dad.

And I am really lucky to have a dad like this.

I mean not every dad will put curlers in his hair with you!

Not every kid gets to grow up with a dad who not only tells you that you can do anything but seems to live it. From building and remodeling houses to being the pitcher in the community softball team and even being the mayor of a town, Dad could do it all!

The Fam Circa 1985/86

He was always there when I needed him. When I  graduated from kindergarten to when I crashed my first car, when I needed help with homework and when he thought I just needed a good rassle. He was the kind of dad who punished me by having me write essays. And you never knew when he was going to jump up right behind you and SNARL just for fun.

My high school graduation

And as an adult, I just can’t imagine not having him to call and ask advice or talk philosophy or politics or money matters. You know, to just shoot the shit as he would say. It is so strange to see him this sick, listless and without an appetite. He was never sick -as a kid I don’t remember him even having a cold. He was certainly not listless -he was always building or doing something. And as for appetite? He definitely was never one to turn down good food!

I just want my dad for a few more years. We’ve been blessed that in these last three years we have been able to be here with him and appreciate our time together a little more.

Dad, if you are reading this, I just want you to know that I love you so much. I want you to get better soon. I want many more discussions and memories and meals! And if Britton and I have kids, I want you to know them. I want them to know their grandfather. But I guess sometimes life doesn’t always work out just as you want. And if that is the case, please know that I am so glad I had you in my life. I am so happy you are my dad, Dad.

After all, what kind of kid draws a picture like this if not a happy one?

My family